Cafe Ballou
Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village939 N Western Ave
(between Augusta Blvd & Walton St)
Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 342-2909
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sat 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sun 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Free
24 reviews
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
"I am constantly searching for new, comfy coffee shops, and I was pleasantly surprised with barista. I had 2 appointments to see apartments…" read more »
35 Reviews for Cafe Ballou
Some of the best iced coffee and nicest people anywhere. I don't live as close as I used to, but still try to find as many excuses to come here as possible. You can work, get your morning cup of coffee to go, meet friends, or just hang out-- it's the perfect all-purpose coffeeshop.
It's really difficult to make sitting outside on Western Avenue seem pleasant, but Christine pulls it off.
Notes: Cash only, closed Wednesdays
I stumbled on this place last weekend ... and was delighted! It's a friendly, cozy coffee shop that's perfect for chilling out for a couple of hours with the newspaper, rotating between coffee drinks and their Italian sodas...
Excellent old-school coffeehouse. The coffee is good, the pastries are decent, the atmosphere is the bomb. It's a quiet place to chill out and read while sipping your coffee. I take my laptop there and do work occasionally (hooray for free WiFi). It's also good for people watching, especially if you get one of the little tables in the window. I like that you go to the counter and order your stuff (and go back for more, as I usually do), and then pay at the end.
'A European Coffee House.' Lots of doilies. Not sure if the doilies are from Europe. The ladies who work here do not want me there, so I may never get a chance to ask. They give me dirty looks and speak to me condescendingly. I accept this because they are better than me, but I will probably never return. I think they really are descendants of people who came from Europe. Please contact me if you discover the origin of the doilies.
Our favorite coffee spot. Christine makes you feel right at home. Show up a few times and she will start to recognize you - she once told us it wouldn't be Saturday morning without seeing us.
Great coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, etc. Nice lunch selection as well.
Please don't tell everyone about this place - the people lined up around the block for other breakfast places can keep them. I've already said too much.
I'll be in the corner enjoying my coffee and free wi-fi.
Excellent little cafe right around the corner from my house and I never knew it...one never thinks of going West I suppose. Free wifi, cozy tables/chairs, nice ukranian themes pictures and mementos, very friendly lady service a good variety of drinks and some bakery items, and they even have sandwiches etc (didn't try). Definately have to add this to the study circuit...much less distracting and crowded than the Division street options.
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This place is so lovely. The coffee is good, the food is yummy and fresh (I love the herbed cheese and tomato croissant for breakfast), and the atomosphere is so cozy. AND they have free WI-FI.
I once plopped down in an arm chair, later to discover the owner and her (daughter?) were sitting in the surrounding chairs... so I apologized and was about to get up when the owner said "NO! Please sit! Treat this place as if it was your livingroom!" and now I do and I love it.
Cafe Ballou has great great great food. I love the breakfast sandwhiches, which the owner Christine makes herself from scratch. The veggie sandwich is great too. I love it. Its perhaps the best veggie sandwich I've ever had. The owner is really nice, and the coffee is great. She even has the iced drinks priced less than hot, because it uses less milk. Now thats fair prices. Love it.
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I love this place - in fact, I am sitting in Cafe Ballou right now. They're playing some of my favorite music, it's chill, and I have a great iced vanilla latte in front of me. I come here on a weekly basis and I couldn't ask for much more from a place right down the block from me. The employees are also awesome. I love Christine! True love for Cafe Ballou.
christine's chicken sandwich = heaven.
this is where i go when i need anonymity and delicious, delicious food therapy. + tea. + hugs. + free wifi. + dessert. + seasonal apple cider. yum.
note that they only accept cash, though.
I pass up many of Coffee cafe with free Wi-Fi to dine, drink coffee, sneak a pastry, at this quaint and comfortable place.....located many miles from home.
The food is always fresh, and tasty. Cafe Ballou has something for everyone. If you're a vegetarian, you will find a selection for you too. I have also met some interesting people. While most of the people that hang out there are far to the left of myself, the stimulating discussion and debate with these intelligent and younger people keep me on my toes and make me better at my game.
I love the tuna on greens. The owner, Christine, really came up with a good creation with this one. The portion is generous, and the greens have just the right amount of light balsamic vinegar based dressing so not to overcome the taste of the greens and vegetables. The smoked salmon on a bagel with capers onion and cucumbers is also quite generous and tasty. It is a hot seller.
The owner Christine is good natured and is there most of the time. So say hi and introduce yourself. She will almost assured remember who you are
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You know what i work in Ballou and it is the most relaxing charming and beautiful place in Ukrainian village and i am not saying all of this just because i work here. I was looking for only a summer job while out of school and didn't expect to find something that i could stay and work for couple of years. when i walked in cafe Ballou i was amazed by the friendly owner (now my boss) Christine she is the most wonderful and friendly person i ever met. I love the customers, they are not snobs, they clean up their mess and on top of everything they are very nice. i love my job and plan on working throut my college years. Coffee is amazing.
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Ah, my home away from home. Wonderful coffee, wonderful owner, wonderful clientele. Always friendly and it seems ... always open. Thank you Cafe Ballou ... you're like soft toilet paper on my butt.
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very calm!!!
very relaxing environment!!
european feeling!!
i go everyweek!!
believe me you wont be disappointed!!
I cannot say enough good things about Cafe Ballou.
The sandwiches are delicious. The coffee is good.
The service is phenominal. Owner/Operator Christine is one of the nicest people I've ever met.
Very diverse clientele - locals, teachers and other professionals, students.
Great place to pop in for a cup of coffee, or sit for hours studying or working.
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This is the espresso geographically closest to my house! I will be a regular in no time. The service was so friendly, and I was the only one the staff didn't already know by name. I had a great cup of coffee while admiring the decor. Since the big map of Eastern Europe had a dot in the middle for Budapest, I decided to make myself at home and stick around for lunch. A special of the day was grilled cheese panini with tomato bisque and a salad. A classed-up take on a classic. It was absolutely great - simple, but well-executed. The accompanying salad was not a forgettable garnish, but an actual plate of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a balsamic vinaigrette. An awesome lunch for six bucks. I'll be back, for soups & salads when I'm good, and croissants with Nutella when I'm naughty.
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You will not find better service in a Chicago Cafe than here. Christine is by far the nicest person EVER. Here is an example...
I once was eating at a Thai place not far from Cafe Ballou, and Christine came in to ask if anyone came to the restaurant with two bikes. The reason... she watched then get stolen by some kids and then ran after them, stopped them and got the bikes back. She might be Wonder Woman.
Aside from the owner being well, awesome, the food and coffee is damn good. I love the sandwiches the ingredients are fresh, and the side salads are good.
This is a great place to read, study or meet up with some friends to chat. There is free Wi-fi that WORKS! Did I mention it is free?! The atmosphere makes it the place to come and work. When ever I have classes full of essays to grade, this is the place I come to.
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Perhaps my favorite coffee shop in all of Chicago, I really love Cafe Ballou. It's a comfortable spot to get a sandwich and coffee, or get some work done with a laptop and their free wi-fi.
The space is cozy and comfortable but never overwhelming and the owner Christine is a regular welcoming presence in her shop. Sitting here just the other day, I noticed a steady parade of her loyal customers come in and out her door and I'm not surprised with this level of service and great coffee.
Definitely a great, valued spot in Ukrainian Village.
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Cafe Ballou is one of those wonderful storefront wi-fi places that you'll get a nicely crafted sandwich from really, authentically nice people. My friend joe lives down the street and recommended it for a bite and conversation: outdoor seating in summer; comfy space inside for the rest of the time. small, cozy and well run. Sandwiches and gnosh: inexpensive, so tip well. Joe wi-fis there when needed, but the best part of Cafe Ballou is the feeling that they care about you. A sandwich isn't a miracle, but done with love is a good little part of the day: they do it all well. They've got heart!
Today is my birthday and it promises to be adventure packed. To kick off the day, I decided to venture into Chicago and enjoy an afternoon at a cafe before heading down to Chinatown to join friends for a bacchanalia. I wanted a charming little place with free wi-fi and plenty of outlets for laptops; near Metra's Western station, my sister's studio, the Empty Bottle, and other transportation options; and with a good assortment of grubs. How does an out-of-towner locate such an establishment? Read Yelp, of course!
I settled on Cafe Ballou based especially on Yelp reviews that touted its European flavor. Unfortunately, I couldn't tell what was especially European about this cafe other than the photographs and map of Eastern Europe. Its ambience is more country shabby chic than Old World European. The space definitely has a woman's touch.
An assortment of Chicago free publications were available. The tables were generous but not so huge as to prohibit conversation. The wi-fi, as touted, was reliable as were the service and the food. Christina, the owner, was not there, but Jennifer was very friendly and helpful. Their house-brewed iced tea was very flavorful and the chicken sandwich and salad solid (although I think she mistakenly gave me turkey rather than chicken).
Overall, although this cafe is not really my style, I can see a lot of people really enjoying this space. If pressed, I certainly wouldn't mind spending an afternoon being productive or idling here.
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We love the fact that there is no Starbucks or other big-name chain coffee shop within walking distance of our house! Cafe Ballou is a wonderful "old world" cafe! When you walk through the old glass and wooden doors you feel like you stepped into a cafe in old Europe.
From the vintage tin ceilings (which I believe are original to the building from when it used to be Irene's Flower Shop back in the day) to the worn wooden floor and lovely antique light fixtures you're transported into a slower world where you can linger over your coffee or tea. In the warmer months you can enjoy your beverages and food outside on the small outdoor cafe area while observing the comings and goings of the Ukrainian Village crowd on Western Avenue.
Ballou does have WiFi and laptops are a plenty in Cafe Ballou, but that doesn't detract from the atmosphere.
Everything we've ever had there has been really good- the lox and bagels, the sandwiches, the pastries, the specialty coffee drinks, the chai and the salads. You can't go wrong with the daily specials - they're delicious and they're VERY reasonably priced!
We're really glad owner Christine decided to have Cafe Ballou set anchor in Ukrainian Village!
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Cafe Ballou is simply perfect.
The espresso was done just right - not too acidic, flavorful, bold and robust with a nice thick crema on top! Hard to get a good shot in many places.
The food is surprisingly good, as cafe fare is usually ok, but the food her is exceptional! The salads, the panini sandwiches and the soups are homemade & delicious! Seriously, I've tried everything on the menu and it's all good!
The decor is truly European, it looks charming & old world without being antique-y, which is nice - fresh but quaint & great light for reading or working.
The staff is alway super friendly and remembers you, not hipster snots with attitude, but cool, friendly people.
Best part is that it's local, independent and not corporate - part of the charm of the Uk village!
Bring cash, they don't take plastic.
We love you Cafe Ballou! See you tomorrow (and each day after...)!
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This place is the sweetest in the Ukrainian Village. Christine, the owner, is as kind as she is beautiful; she's friendly to all customers and she makes people feel at home. Free Wi-Fi, an invitation to linger, and really tasty sandwiches make Ballou a wonderful escape from Western Avenue.
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Great coffee, great food, inviting and warm atmosphere - just what a coffee shop should be. Very welcome addition to the neighborhood, and the food is very tasty too!!
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Instead of heading on down to Division Street to Letizia's or Alliance or Starbucks for coffee, head straight to this cafe on Western. It is full of old world charm. The latte is best when made by the owner, but don't let that stop you from coffee drinks, as there are many special ones there -- starting with Intelligentsia beans.
I must say I used to live in the area, and I spent many summer days hanging out at the place, and I mean I stayed 5 - 8 hours. The dependability of the free wi-fi is the best I have ever encountered in a coffee shop. Christine and Sandra (wonder if she still works there?) took my presence in stride leaving me alone to work or chatting me up when I would place an order. I would love to see them accept "plastic"! I might have bought more in those days. With that aside, try it out. You'll like it.
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I love LOVE love this coffee shop. Of course it has that old homey feel to it, and that cool history. Service is not fast, but that is because this is not a Starbucks-style joint. You're meant to take your time, linger, chit chat.... If you don't order to go, you can pay when you leave instead of when you place your orders. Their sandwhiches are awesome, I loved the veggie. My Italian friend loved their croissant and cappuchinos, and I request a mocha cappuchino. Everything is hand-made on the spot... I am a huge fan.
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This was the first coffee shop I tried in the neighborhood, and I'll definitely be back!
Cafe Ballou reminds me of a little European cafe. There's lots of neat looking chairs and tables, and there are two little tables right up in the window if you like lots of sunlight. The coffee is quite good, and my little brother said the hot chocolate was the best he's ever had.
I didn't try the food, but the menu looked intriguing. It featured sandwiches and salads that made my mouth water, and I was bummed I didn't have the cash to try them.
Free wifi makes this place even more charming. The owners seemed quite nice - we ordered drinks, and she brought them out to us. We didn't pay until we left. I like that sort of service. It feels more personal.
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Yes, this cafe is very warm and inviting, unlike some of the chain stores all over the place... I tried their latte and a plain croissant w/ jelly because I didn't have enough cash for anything else. They were both very good by the way. I fell in love with their antique (?) tables and chairs as well as the lovely desk lamp. It's a cozy place to sit and write in my journal and forget about the stress. I can't wait to go back soon.
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I too love this place - great space for cranking out some work or chilling. Parking can be hit or miss around there, but whatever. Charming decor, nice coffees and foods. Fun music but never too loud. Everyone else seems to be quiet and working but the place isn't stuffy. I love work at home days so I can go here to get stuff done! Free wireless rocks.
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This cafe is adorable! From the European feel, to the cute little table and chair sets in the window box seats to the old world family photos on the wall. Christine, the owner, could not have been sweeter. I was at the cafe for about four hours reading and during that time she greeted just about every customer by name!
The friendly staff, the cozy "at home" atmosphere and the free wi-fi make this cafe an excellent choice for a lazy afternoon.
Try the turtle mocha latte, it's fabulous!
I walked by this place and looked in the window. It was empty, and was full of old cool looking chairs. It looked subdued and inviting. I like old stuff, and the furniture looked comfortable. They had a menu in the window, and they have sandwiches and stuff. The menu told the story of the name of the place, and about her parents being immigrants to the US and they met on a ship called the Ballou and the story of the ship. That was interesting. I saw a lady inside, and I thought, she's the lady from the story! I decided to come back some day and buy coffee. I wish I had a nice laptop I could bring there and surf the wifi! I should fix my palm pilot and use that!
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cute, airy, bright cafe... sitting in it right now writing this..
has a small selection of food items... breakfast sandwiches and other sandwiches that don't really require a kitchen.
good coffee..
free wifi that's fast and works.
apparently named after the ships their parents took over?
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This is a charming and relaxing coffee shop to go to when you're sick of everyone up the street at Letzia's. Don't get me wrong I love Letzia's, but sometimes I need to be more anonymous. They also have free wireless. Good coffee, sandwiches & pastries. The locals and owners are so friendly as well.
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very comfortable and relaxing inside. quiet enough to read or do some work but also not too quiet to have a conversations. i really enjoyed the nutella croissant. nice owner
Cafe Ballou is run by the lovely Christine, who is one of the nicest, most sincere women you will ever meet. When I lived close by, I would go in for coffee almost every morning before catching the Western bus, and chatting with her for a few minutes would always get my day off to a good start.
There are so many wonderful things about this place, aside from the service, that it is hard to know where to begin. It is a wonderful place to camp out and work. It is bright and sunny inside, and usually not busy, so you never feel rushed. They have FREE wireless that always works and comfortable seating. The coffee is intelligentsia-always hot and reasonably priced. The muffins and other sorts of sweet bready items like the lemon poppyseed cake are always freshly made. I wish that there were more vegetarian and vegan options for sandwiches, but the salads are very solid, and occasionally they whip up an excellent soupdujour.
It's too bad that this place is located right on the busy and not-too-beautiful Western Ave.-that may be the reason they don't get more business. In an area full of myriad coffeeshops, it's one of the best, hands down.
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